CNN Hero Patricia Sawo Empowers HIV/AIDS Survivors In Kenya

Patricia Sawo believed that if she fasted and prayed hard enough, her HIV would go away. Four years later, she realized that her health did not reflect on her faith.

"HIV is not a moral issue. It's a virus."

Sawo knew that too many of her fellow Kenyans believed that HIV was a curse from God. So, she took her message to her congregation and started to build a community of support and empowerment. She was recently named a CNN Hero because of her work's success.

Sawo believes that the first step toward eradicating HIV is shifting its connotation.

"My mission is to change people's attitudes toward HIV."

Along with helping others through her religious ministry, she established the Discover to Recover Centre, which houses children orphaned by AIDS. There, she gives them hope through both physical and emotional care.

Sawo is currently funded by Hope Span, a nonprofit organization dedicated to giving hope through community action. To make a donation, follow the Impact links below:

Comments

[EmotionalEngine]

01:59 AM on 02/28/2011

There is an awesome documentary, which includes a very special village meeting of Kenyans called "Protection: A film about men and condoms in the time of HIV/AIDS." It's being used for HIV education in parts of Africa right now, but is amazing as a documentary. Check out excerpts here: http://www.protectionthefilm.com

The film is a beautiful example of how art meets social action - and how we as westerners can facilitate helping people address their own issues in their own ways.

[PMJ79]

04:23 PM on 02/25/2011

I don't understand how AIDS could ever be a blessing, but then again I'm not surrounded by it every day of my life.

[Bruckley]

04:02 PM on 02/25/2011

Heh, the article neglects to mention that the woman used to openly condemn people with HIV. Something tells me that she'd still be doing so if she hadn't contracted the disease herself. Karma's gonna get you.

[LawfullyYours]

08:15 PM on 02/25/2011

I'm not really sure what you're getting at. She contracted the HIV and subsequently learned that she had been ignorant as to many of the facts of the disease and changed her stance. Perfectly acceptable.

I don't know why you're trying to detract from her credibility.

[Bruckley]

11:53 AM on 02/28/2011

nice spin you're putting on it ;)

[truthinperson]

03:38 PM on 02/25/2011

Providing a scientific explanation for HIV doesn't mean it can't also be an act God and/or the Devil (If you believe in a God). Having said that, the work being done in Kenya is admirable. Education is key to stopping the spread of this horrible virus.

[makemesmile]

04:30 PM on 02/26/2011

There are people who question exactly how this virus was spread to the people of Africa. Also, is this a man-made virus to destroy certain people?

[Jericho the Red]

11:36 PM on 02/26/2011

stop. stop now